The Noble Dram

Duds vs. Studs: Round 1 In this episode of The Noble Dram, we put our palates—and our opinions—on the line in Duds vs. Studs: Round 1. From hyped bottles that fall flat to unexpected pours that punch well above their weight, we’re calling it like we taste it. We break down what makes a whiskey a stud worth savoring and which ones end up as duds better left on the shelf. No marketing fluff, no bran...

Aaron and Gavin once again go back to the 2025 Houston Whiskey Social where they rolled out the Barrell with Ned Anderson of Barrell Craft Spirits. Barrell Craft Spirits is known as one of the most innovative independent whiskey blenders in the United States. We dive into the art and science of creating blended whiskies, explaining how their approach differs from traditional distilling and what ma...

On this episode of the Noble Dram, Aaron and Gavin had their first in-studio guest and it’s only fitting that it be Aaron’s dad, Tom! Join the boys as they explore two Single Malt Scotches from the Isle of Skye and discuss the importance of ‘Tasting Clubs’.  Dad’s flying blind on this one, let’s see if Aaron and Gavin can stump the ole man.  Gavin’  Pour: Talisker 18 - Single Malt Scotch Whisky -...

Extend your Christmas Spirits with Aaron & Gavin as they dive into Christmas stories and Family Traditions. Gavin’s Pour: Angel’s Envy - Cellar Collection - Volume 5 - 104.2 Proof Aaron’s Pour: Macallan - A Night on Earth in Jerez de la Frontera - 43% ABV What Christmas cheer are you sharing? Let us know down in the comments! 👇 We Whiskey You A Merry Christmas! New episodes drop on Thursdays...

On this episode of the Noble Dram, Aaron and Gavin shared a sipper with Bryan Smith the Master Distiller of Hard Truth Distilling Co.at the 2025 Houston Whiskey Social. Hard Truth is a pioneer in the "grain-to-glass" sweet mash process, which uses entirely fresh ingredients for each batch, highlighting the complex flavors of the grains. They produce a variety of award-winning bourbons an...

On this episode of the Noble Dram, Aaron and Gavin had an opportunity to interview Sam Flimus of ImpEx Beverages at the 2025 Houston Whiskey Social. ImpEx is a major US importer of premium and rare spirits from around the world, specializing in unique and small-batch. Founded by Sam in 2008 they have a strong emphasis on sourcing high-quality products from small to medium-sized distilleries and in...

It’s that time of the year where gifts are top of mind and when it comes to the whiskey lover in your life it can be difficult to navigate the gimmicks.  On this episode of the Noble Dram, Aaron and Gavin discuss some of their favorite whiskey gifts given and received.  The sippers of the night, two bottles given to The Noble Dram. Aaron’s Bottle: 2XO Oak Series - American Oak - 92 Proof - Given b...

On this episode of the Noble Dram, Aaron and Gavin talk Turkey Day favorites and their after dinner sippers. Starting with cocktail hour, Aaron makes a few classics with a twist. We then dive into 2 bottles that we each like to share on Thanksgiving! Gavin’s Bottle: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked - 94.2 Proof - Brown’s Bottle Shop Bottle Pick Aaron’s Bottle: Kilchoman - 2021 PX Sherry - 47.3% ABV S...

On this episode of the Noble Dram, Aaron and Gavin conclude their 3 part miniseries of the 6 Classic Malts of Scotland. In Part 3, we journey to the western side of Scotland where we start with Talisker 10 and we decide if we’re in the Highlands or Islands. Next we head to arguably one of the best Islands in the world, Islay where we stop in at Lagavulin for a sip of the 16.  Gavin’s Bottle: Talis...

On this episode of the Noble Dram, Aaron and Gavin continue their 3 part miniseries of the 6 Classic Malts of Scotland. In Part 2, we travel to the Lowlands with the Glankinchie 12 and then we hit the road back up into the Highlands for Oban 14.   Gavin’s Bottle: Glenkinchie 12 - Lowland single malt scotch whisky - Bottled at 43% ABV Aaron’s Bottle: Oban 14 - Highland single malt scotch whisky - B...

On this episode of the Noble Dram, Aaron and Gavin start a 3 part miniseries where they embark on a tour through Scotland with Diageo’s Six Classic Malts. In Part 1, we start with the Cragganmore 12 and Dalwhinnie 15 and discuss the differences between Highland and Speyside Scotches.  Gavin’s Bottle: Cragganmore 12 - Speyside single malt scotch whisky - Bottled at 40% ABV Aaron’s Bottle: Dalwhinni...

Costumes, Candy and Whiskey! On this special spooky episode of the Noble Dram, Aaron and Gavin discuss their Best and Worst Halloween experiences growing up. We crack open two Jack Daniel's single barrel picks from The Bourbon Hounds of Houston and given to us by a dear friend. We lurk through our thoughts and have a wicked good time as we sip through these special bottles. Jack Daniels Tenne...

he Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 was revolutionary in its time — transforming how whiskey was made, regulated, and trusted. On this episode of The Noble Dram, Aaron and Gavin pour a glass (or two) and dive into the fascinating history of Bottled-in-Bond: how it shaped modern quality standards and why it still appears on shelves today. But here’s the question… is it still relevant, or just a gimmick...

On this episode of The Noble Dram, we ponder the Great Whiskey Debate: Quality vs. Quantity. Aaron and Gavin discuss sales trends in American Whiskey and their take on the causes.  While sharing the top three selling American Whiskeys of 2024, they rank them to find their favorite of the three.  Jim Beam Straight Bourbon Jack Daniels Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey Evan Williams Straight Bourbon How w...

On this episode of The Noble Dram, we take on the ultimate whisky dilemma — if you could only have one bottle for the rest of your life, what would it be? Aaron and Gavin share three of their favorite bottles and debate what makes a pour worth forsaking all others. 🥃 Aaron’s top pick: Highland Park Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch 🥃 Gavin’s top pick: Isle of Rassay Lightly Peated Single Malt Sco...

When it comes to whiskey, a question that is asked all the time is “what’s the best bang for the buck?” In this inaugural episode of the Noble Dram, Aaron and Gavin take a deep dive into this very question. They also challenge each other to find a bottle to share for under $25. Which will prove to be the top contender for the Best bang For The Buck, the Benchmark Single Barrel or Legent a collabor...